Chapter Twenty-Five
Sophia
Once I left Nathan’s office, I take Skye and we walk. I need to fill her in on some things.
“Okay, first things first are you okay?” She looks at me like I have ten heads.
“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” I laugh,
“Well we all know I’m not. Usually I’m better at hiding it than I have been. But I will be. I have to be if we’re going to nail this fucker. So honestly are you okay?” She looks at me.
“No I’m not, I hate him, I hate that he killed Smithy, I hate that he tortured you and made us watch, but now, after we all start to heal, he comes back to fuck with you some more. No I’m not okay, I’m pissed.” Damn, I forget how much spunk and sass this girl has.
“Good, being pissed is going to help, we can’t go into this looking for revenge, it won’t happen.” She nods in understanding.
“We’re going to Winter’s house, I’ve been staying with her the past week, she’s a fucking mess, she has only ever told me and the police since the night it happened. I told her that I may have a bodyguard for a while. I knew either Sarge, dad, Scott or Nathan was going to make me, so she agreed as long as it was you. What I’m about to tell you only I know, it was the reason I was crying the day of the bomb.” She looks worried. She met Winter on our last break and she didn’t really like her much.
“Winter was raped about eighteen months ago. I don’t know all the details and I’m sure you don’t want to know, all I do know is, she ended up walking home from the bar and was pushed into an alley. She was beaten and raped. She went to the cops, but they haven’t any clue who they are looking for. I want to find the fucking animal and kill him.” I hurt for my best friend. I’m so angry, I want to kill someone. I can’t imagine what Winter is feeling or even going through. She is my main priority right now.
Once we arrive at her house, she’s asleep; we spoke a lot over the past week, neither of us sleeping as our nightmares keep us awake, Winter finds solace in a bottle of vodka. I’ve been searching for the best place for winter too, so she can talk to someone, know that she isn’t the only person going through this. She needs to talk to someone, otherwise she’s going to drown, and I feel helpless. Skye and I do intensive research on the best places for Winter too go. We both agree to see if she will go to the rape crisis centre first, they can help and tell her the best thing to do for herself.
When Winter wakes, I make her something to eat, and then clean up; she’s sitting in the living room.
“Wints, hon, can we talk?” She has a scared look in her eyes.
“Ok.” I walk over and sit beside her.
“So, remember the conversation we had the other day, about looking into you talking to someone who has been through something similar?” She nods her head, but she is scared, she’s wringing her hands together.
“Wint, honey, I’ll be with you every step of the way, nothing is going to hurt you again, not while I’m here. I spoke to a lovely woman at the crisis centre, she told me that anytime you’re ready, so is she. She is ready for you to tell her, she wants to help, only when you’re ready though.” She looks so frightened; I don’t know how to help her.
“Winter, I don’t know how to help you; You’ve got to talk to me hon.”
“I don’t want you to know how dirty I am. I feel dirty all the time, I don’t know how to get clean, and I feel his hands on me constantly. I remember absolutely everything about the attack; I know every word he said to me. I hear it constantly, every time I close my eyes, I replay it over and over again. You want to help me, I know you do, but I don’t know how to help myself.” With that she walks out of the room, I burst into tears and Skye comes over and hugs me.
“She needs help; she needs to learn that she isn’t dirty.” I agree with Skye.
“How are we going to get her to go see the woman?” She gets up and follows where Winter left. I’m sitting watching a cop show, when both Skye and Winter appear. Before I can speak Winter does.
“Ok, we’re going to see the woman at the crisis centre. You’re going to come into the building with me, but not in the room unless I need you to.” She gets up and walks towards the front door.
“Come on, before I bottle it.” We follow her out.
“Do you want to walk or drive?” I ask. I don’t have my car and neither does Skye, we’ll be taking hers if she wants to drive.
“I need to walk; it will help me calm down.”
We all walk to the crisis centre, and walk in. She starts shaking so I walk up to her and wrap her up in my arms.
“Wints, if you’re not ready, we can walk straight back out of here and try another day. I’m so fucking proud of you coming this far already.” She has tears in her eyes.
“I love you, so much Soph, but I need to do this, and I’m so lucky that you’re here with me.” I smile at her.
“Every step of the way. Now are you ready?” She nods and takes my hand.
“You want me in there with you, or do you want to do it privately?” she takes a deep breath and stands taller, she lets go of my hand.
“I’m going to do it on my own, I need to be strong.” I cry, I can’t help it, I promised myself I wouldn’t.
“You’re so strong already, I’m so proud of you. I’ll be right here when you’re finished, take your time. I’ve nowhere else to be.” She gives me a bright smile and walks up to the woman waiting, they shake hands and she leads Winter into another room. My heart breaks, I want to be with her, I want to hold her hand and protect her. I don’t want her hurting anymore, but I know she needs this. I take a seat; Skye sits beside me.
“She’s going to be okay, and you know that. That girl is amazing, she will get through this, and you just have to be there for her.” I nod, she’s right, Winter is strong and amazing, and she will get through this. I send Nathan a message. I need to take my mind off of it; I need to be silly for a bit. We have a lot to talk about, but I missed him so fucking much this week. I know that we do belong together but he needs to stop with the lies and the secrets.
Me: What are you wearing?
Nathan: My suit, what about you?
Me: Nothing, I’m wearing absolutely nothing.
Nathan: Where are you?
Me: Somewhere
Nathan: Why are you messing with me? Baby I haven’t seen you in a week. I haven’t had your pussy in a week. Don’t test me right this moment, I’m close to the edge, now where are you?
Me: Okay you need to take a chill pill, I’m with Winter and Skye, and I’ll be home later on. Are you staying at my house?
Nathan: Yes, it’s ours by the way.
Me: In your dreams. I’ll talk to you later on; we have a lot to talk about.
Nathan: Yeah baby, we do. Everything OK?
Me: I’m fine, the baby is fine.
Nathan: That doesn’t answer my question though.
Me: Nathan, I’ve got to go, I’ll call you when I’m about to head home OK. Love you. X
Nathan: Love you too, be safe.
I look up from the message and see the door that Winter went through open. The woman comes out. I sit up straighter and she walks over to me.
“Please could you come in with me?” I get up and walk into the room. My heart sinks. Winter is sitting in the corner, her knees to her chest, her arms wrapped around her knees, she’s rocking back and forth crying. I walk over to her, kneeling down so I’m at her height.
“Winter, Honey, can you hear me? It’s Sophia, you’re safe sweetie.” She turns her head to me, her eyes so full of fear.
“No, I’m not safe, I know who it was. I have to leave; he could come back for me again.” I look at the other woman in the room.
“Hi I’m Amanda, and we spoke on the phone. We were talking about her attack, asking her if she recognized anything about him, she closed her eyes, then she started shaking. She said she recognized his scar. Then she went to the corner, and I came and got you.” I scoot closer to Winter.
/>
“Sweetie, look at me.” She does
“Right here, right now, you’re safe, no one is going to hurt you. Now please tell me what has got you so scared.”
She swallows hard; the sound seems really loud in the silence of the room.
“When Amanda told me was there anything I recognized, I closed my eyes and thought back to the attack. His shirt was ripped; I saw the scar on his chest. It was definitely him; I’ve seen that scar so many times before. Why Soph, why would he do it to me?” I want to cry.
“Honey, who did it to you? Tell me sweetie, please.” She looks so fucking scared; I want to kill this bastard so she doesn’t have that look in her eyes anymore.
“No, I can’t he might hurt you. No I have to go.” She gets up and leaves the room. I’m left speechless.
“Amanda, what do I do?” I have to know; she can’t stay like this.
“You give her what she needs; she needs to get away from here. Hold on a second. I have these group retreats, let me call my friend and see if they have one coming up.” She leaves me in the room by myself and I cry. I cry for the pain my best friend is going through, I cry because some fucking coward has put so much fear into such a beautiful person. I cry for the pain she has endured. I grab a tissue, when I hear the door open. Amanda walks back into the room.
“Ok my friend Katherine has these weekend retreats; they are to help women who have suffered sexual violence. She runs SOAR Spa, send Winter there, and if she still feels like she needs to get away, sunshine helps.” With that she hands me a pamphlet, and I leave the room. I’m shocked to find Winter still here.
“Come on let’s get you home.” We walk back to Winter’s when I bring up the retreats.
“Winter, I know you want to get away, I have an idea, it may help you. There are these retreats that are run by SOAR SPA, they do weekend retreats for woman who have suffered sexual violence. I have a pamphlet here if you want to look?” she takes it and stops on the sidewalk and looks over it. She hands it back to me and starts walking again.
“What do you both think? I want your honest opinions.” Skye is the first to speak up.
“I think this is a great thing, and I think if you were to go, it could really help you. But it is your decision.” I nod, whole heartedly agreeing with her.
“Yeah it is your decision. I want you to not to be afraid anymore, and as much as it pains me, if it means you moving to a different country to feel safe, then Wints, that is what you have to do, but can you try the retreat?” She nods her head. Fear still evident in her eyes.
“I want to go, but I don’t want you to be disappointed if it doesn’t help. Okay?” I nod. Knowing I’m lying, I will be disappointed, but Winter comes first. “It’s Thursday today; do you want to go next weekend? I’ll ring them and organize it?” she shakes her head.
“No I want to go this weekend. Please Soph?” We make it to her house; we walk in the door.
“I’ll call now and I’ll let you know.”
I have the phone to my ear, listening to the ringing “Hello?” thank god someone answered.
“Hello, is this SOAR SPA?” I hear the proudness in her voice.
“Yes, it is, my name is Katherine, how may I help you?” That’s who Amanda says was her friend.
“Hi Katherine, I’m Sophia, Amanda gave me the pamphlet with your name on it. My friend Winter needs your help.” I can hear her rustling papers.
“Yes she said you may be calling, does she want to come on the weekend retreat?”
“Yes please.” More rustling.
“How is next weekend?” I sigh, I was hoping this wouldn’t happen.
“Katherine, any chance you could let her be a part of the on this weekend?”
“This weekend?” she asks in shock.
“Yes, this weekend. Look my friend really needs your help. I’m so worried about her, can you please help her?” She is quiet for a moment, and then I hear more rustling.
“It will be a tight squeeze but if she can make it to Maui by Saturday she can be a part of this retreat she will also need to find somewhere to stay.” I smile in relief. Finally, something I can tell Winter that isn’t bad news.
“Perfect, I’ll have everything sorted. Thank you so much, please look after her.” I hear the smile in her voice.
“I will. I’ll see Winter soon. Bye Sophia.” And she hangs up.
I head straight for the living room and use Winter’s laptop. I search hotels or cabins or rentals for Winter to stay this weekend. I find a hotel for her to stay in, it’s in a central location. Next I look for the flights.
“Winter do you want to go today or tomorrow?” She answers immediately.
“Today, I’m going to start packing. Where am I going?” I hide my smile. She’s going to freak out.
“Maui” I say as she’s heading towards her bedroom.
“Shut the front door. Are you serious?” She sounds excited about something which makes my smile.
“Yep I’m being serious; in three hours you’re heading to Maui. Get your swimsuit ready.”
“Ekkk. Oh my god, what am I going to pack, Soph, suitcase?” I laugh.
“Come on Skye, let’s go help her pack.”
We take her car to JFK airport. I walk her up to the check in desk and wait as she checks in. I look to Skye, and she too is fighting back the tears. Winter checks in and walks over to us. She hugs Skye and then walks over to me.
“You’re the bestest friend anyone could ask for. I know you have a lot of stuff going on right now, but you pushed it aside and focused on me. I can never repay you. I love you with all my heart, Soph. You truly are my Soul Sister. Thank you.” I’m crying.
“Whatever happens, I’m here for you. You need me just call me. I know you have it in your head that you’re leaving; I understand that, you need to go, just know that I’ve got your back. You need me to pack up your stuff and send it to you I will. Just promise me one thing.”
“Anything” Comes her instant reply.
“No matter how far away you are from me, you keep in contact. I want weekly phone calls and a text every other day, well every day would be better but I don’t want to be greedy.” She laughs.
“Every day I promise. I’ve got to go. I’ll call you when I land. Love you Soph.” And then she turns and leaves.
I waited until I got to the car before I let the tears flow again, I couldn’t stop. Skye drove us back to Winter’s house. I don’t know why I felt as though I lost someone, she’s not dead. I think I know that the Winter I knew no longer exists. We walk to Nathan’s offices, it’s been a long day, and I can’t wait to crash. I call Nathan, telling him I’m on my way to his office, he says he’s just finishing up and will meet me downstairs.
I make it to the street Nathan’s building is on. Nathan is just walking out of the building; he spots me and starts walking towards me when I hear this loud boom sound. I see his building blow up. I watch in slow motion as Nathan is thrown onto the road.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Sophia
Skye grabs me and pulls me down. I lift my head and see bystanders on their cells. I push Skye off me and run. I push past all the onlookers and run for Nathan. Once I reach him I start doing a full body scan, he doesn’t look to be bleeding anywhere.
“Nathan, Nathan can you hear me?” My ears are ringing, I put my hands on his face, my hands feel wet. I look down and see blood seeping between my fingers, his head is bleeding. I feel someone pulling me, it’s the paramedic.
“Ma’am do you know him?” I nod.
“Yes, that’s Nathan Slade. Please help him.” I’m moved away and I feel arms close around me. I look up and see Scott.
“I’m so glad you weren’t in their Soph, my heart actually stopped for a minute. Soph, we have to find this bastard. Was there anyone in the building?” I shrug, I can’t help it, I don’t know.
“I don’t know Scott; I was walking down the street when it just went boom. I saw Nathan being thrown in
to the road. I didn’t talk to anyone so I don’t know.” I’m crying hard and I can’t help it, my body is bucking with each sob. Nathan hasn’t responded to anyone. Scott puts his arms around me, he holds me to him. I’m so scared right now.
“Soph, Nathan will be okay, he’s on his way to the hospital now, and I’m going to stay here and find out what’s going on. I’m going to find out where everyone is.” I’m sobbing into his chest.
“Please don’t cry Soph. Everyone is going to be okay.” I nod and he kisses my head.
Scott gets Skye to drive me to the hospital. I wasn’t allowed into the ambulance; I didn’t think about telling them he was my fiancé or husband. I was in shock. I was numb. Skye uses Scott’s car. I’m shuffled to the waiting room at Metro. I’m sick of this hospital. I pull out my phone and call Scott.
“Scott, please tell me no one was in the building.” I haven’t been able to stop crying, I feel cold and I want to see Nathan. I know I’m sounding like a whiney spoilt bitch, but I can’t help it. I thought getting tortured would be my nightmare, but seeing Nathan being thrown into the road will haunt me for the rest of my life.
“Sorry Soph, we are trying to determine who was in the building. We know Hailey was, she is on her way to Metro, as is Connor, other than that we don’t know.”
We’ve been waiting almost an hour when the doors are flown open. I see a man that could only be Nathan’s father, then hidden behind him is Kitty, as well as a younger man, who I presume is Brody, Nathan’s brother. Kitty walks up to me and hugs me.
“Hi Sophia, this is Conrad Nathan’s father and his brother Brody. What happened?” I tell her what I saw.
“And what about Nathan? Is he ok?” I swallow back my tears.
“I don’t know I haven’t heard anything. No one has told me anything.” Conrad stands up and walks over to the nurse’s desk to find out.
Almost two hours of being here and we get the first bit of news, Nathan is in surgery, He was impaled by shrapnel, it went into his lung. It didn’t do a lot of damage, but enough to cause him to have surgery.
Deadly Hunt (Deadly #1) Page 19